Rusthall Football Club

 

Match Reports

Rusthall U13’s

March 08

The Rustics found a good run of form starting with an excellent 9-1 away win at Forest Row. A great team performance was capped by man of the match Jack Rusbridge scoring six of the goals, Fraser netted twice with the other coming from Ryan. This was followed by a hard earned three points from a 3-0 win away at Ringmer. Ryan constantly terrorised the opposition with his pace and scored two fine first half goals. After the break we were forced to defend for long periods and Jack Bridges had a great game as sweeper and Adam made several fine saves to earn himself man of the match, Jack R finally put the game beyond doubt in the last minute.

The good run continued with an 8-0 victory over Ridgewaye with Jono playing a blinder in midfield. The goals were scored by Ryan with a hat-trick, two for Fraser, one each for Pete and Jack. However, the best went to centre back Joe Neal who ran half the length of the pitch beating several players before calmly shooting past the keeper for his first ever goal, never was a goal more deserved! Just like waiting for a bus, nothing comes for ages then two come at once – and so Joe scored for the second week running in a superb 7-0 away win at Sevenoaks B. This was another excellent all round team performance and the Rustics have conceded only 3 goals in 2008 in 7 games – a great achievement. Fraser scored a hat-trick; Jack claimed two with Ben scoring another (and also missing a penalty – Jack back to you!).

The team have progressed really well this season and the semi final of the CDJFL cup away against a good ‘A’ division Little Common gave us the chance to see exactly how far they have come. This was a superb cup game with the Rustics dominating for long periods. Unfortunately it was not to be and a goal direct from a free kick was enough to send the Rustics out. However, I cannot praise the team highly enough (and all of the supporters who made the trip), they were a credit to themselves and to the club.

The team remain top of the B division andrequire 4 wins from their last 6 games to win the league. We are looking for a sponsor for the next two seasons and if anyone is interested or has any ideas please let me know.

Squad: Fraser MacKenzie, Ryan Luff, Joe Neal, George Webzell, Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Peter Yates, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jono Powell, Adam Barkley.

Mick Fitzgerald
Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald – 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

February 08

Our last league game of 2007 was back in November, a 2-2 draw against Wealden Colts at Southwood Road. Jono and Pete were playing well in the centre of midfield and after dominating the first half and missing a hat full of chances Jack Rusbridge finally found the back of the net and we looked on our way to 3 points. However, a couple of defensive errors let Wealden back in and we ended up chasing a game we should have had wrapped up. Jack finally popped up again to equalise but it was two points dropped and enough to knock us off the top of the table.

The boys enjoyed a Christmas special training session at Uplands School in Wadhurst. The competions were won by: Jack Bridges - keepie ups (he achieved over 100), slalom/shooting – Sam Fitzgerald, cross bar challenge – Hayden Boyce, penalty shoot out – Ben Fitzgerald.

Due to several postponements we didn’t play for six weeks and it showed in our first game of the New Year away at Roselands. Although we played poorly we still managed to score twice in the first half with goals from Ryan Luff and Jack Rusbridge. Despite a half time rollicking we were actually worse in the second half and held on desperately to finally win 2-1, although it took a penalty save from Adam Barkley to give us the points. Only man of the match Joe Neal came out of this with any real credit with some great saving tackles at the back.

After another postponement we played our first game back at Jockey Farm for 10 weeks and produced some much better football. Although we dominated and ran out 3-0 winners against Uckfield we left it late with two good goals in the last five minutes, first Ben putting through Jack and then the best scored by new signing George Webzell after being put through by Billy. The back four of Luke, Matt, Joe and Hayden looked very strong and were well supported by man of the match Jack Bridges playing sweeper.

This was followed by an absolutely fantastic result in the CDJFL Cup quarter final by beating Hailsham 9-0. All 14 members of the squad played their part including new signing Fraser MacKenzie who has been playing with Foresters in the Kent League and he showed his class by coming off the bench to score a second half hatrick. Jack Rusbridge also netted three times, with the other goals coming from George (2) and a penalty from Ben. Joe was man of the match again for another dominating performance at the back, whilst Adam was a virtual spectator with only one real save to make. The Rustics are now in unchartered territory with a semi-final beckoning.

We started February with a very hard fought 3-1 away win at Ridgeway. The small pitch and very strong wind did not help our game but we dominated for long periods and should have made it easier as we missed chance after chance. Man of the match Ryan Luff opened the scoring with a great goal after being put through by Jack Rusbridge, who himself scored the second from the penalty spot, George wrapped it up by firing in the third. This keeps the Rustics second in the table but with games in hand over the leaders.

Mick Fitzgerald
Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald – 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

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November 07

Rusthall U13’s

The team have continued their good start to the season and now stand top of the CDJFL B division and are also through to the quarter finals of the cup. New boys Ryan Luff and Joe Neal have settled in well and have made a big impact on the squad, whilst Jack Rusbridge continues to bang in the goals.

The team entered the Kent Youth Cup for the first time and despite being drawn away at high flying Chatham Town, an incredibly tough baptism of fire, they were not over-awed and put up a great battling performance before finally going down 6-4, with two goals apiece from Jack and Ryan. This was followed up by a 7-2 win over a good Crowborough Athletic team in the CDJFL cup, and thanks go to Alex Smith, George Webzell and Sam Fitzgerald who all stepped up from the U12’s to help out when we were short of players.

Since the defeat at Hailsham early in the season, our league form has picked up with 6 successive wins, all against the top clubs. A 6-0 win over Sedlescombe, with goals for Jack Rusbridge (3), Ben Fitzgerald (2) and Jono Powell, set the ball rolling. A tough game followed at Pembury, where Jack Rusbridge scored all of the goals in a 4-2 win and Joe Neal was outstanding at the back. At this point we lost Jono for 4 weeks with a broken wrist but the good form continued. A 4-1 home win over Crowborough Athletic wrapped up a successful October, the goals coming from Jack Bridges, Ryan Luff and two from Jack Rusbridge.

November started with a very tough and fractious 2-1 win away at Uckfield. With almost everything going against them, the boys showed great strength of character and determination to overcome the odds (and some very dodgy refereeing!). Many thanks again for the great support we always get from the dedicated parents, it really does help the boys. This was followed by another great team performance in a 4-0 home win over league leaders Roselands. Jack and Ryan again scored the goals but the team were driven on from midfield by Jack Bridges who collected his second consecutive man of the match award. Another close game resulted in a 2-1 win at Wealden Colts in the driving wind and rain. This was another tough but well deserved win and we welcomed Jono back to the team. After going a goal down early on, Peter Yates followed up when their keeper spilled the ball to level and Jack Rusbridge scored the winner late on. Captain Matt Collins had a superb game at the back.

The team have put in a lot of hard work so far this season and the mid-week training is paying off. We can play some good passing football at times but the most pleasing aspect recently is the way the boys have battled in some very close and tough games. Keep up the hard work!

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September 2007
Rusthall U13’s

After a successful summer where the team won both the Crowborough Fiesta and the Ridgewaye Shield they were allowed to take a four week break during August before returning to pre-season training. We welcomed two new players, Ryan Luff and Joe Neal, who joined from Tonbridge Invicta and they have certainly strengthened the squad. Two pre-season friendlies were played, a win over Langton and a defeat to Crowborough Athletic.

The team are again playing in the CDJFL ‘B’ Division. It looks a very strong league this year and they will do well to achieve the third place finish of last season. This assumption looked correct in the first game of the season where, despite playing very well, we only just overcame Ringmer 2-1. A debut goal from man of the match Ryan Luff and another from Jack Rusbridge proved enough but the most pleasing aspect was the speed and strength in the back line provided by Joe Neal and Hayden Boyce; something that we have lacked in previous seasons.

Unfortunately the good start didn’t last long as the team lost 5-1 at Hailsham. After dominating for 30 minutes and leading through a goal from Peter Yates, we proceeded to gift the opposition 3 goals, all through defensive errors and then just seemed to give up. This was not one of our better days at the office!

The team need to bounce back immediately and redeem themselves and they did this in a thrilling 2-1 win over Pembury in the cup. The boys played some great passing football and deservedly took the lead through Ryan Luff, however, Pembury levelled to take the tie into extra time. The game was end to end before Ryan raced away to score his second and put the Rustics in to the last 16. The defensive performance was a huge improvement with Hayden Boyce putting in a man of the match performance.

 

Squad: Ryan Luff, Joe Neal, Ryan Higgins, Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Peter Yates, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs, Jono Powell, Adam Barkley.
Mick Fitzgerald
Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald – 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

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RUSTHALL FC U12’s WIN AGAIN

Rusthall FC U12’s are enjoying a successful summer, not only have they won and retained the Crowborough 6 a-side Fiesta; they have now just retained the Ridgewaye Tournament Shield by beating the hosts in the final. Well done to the squad: Adam Barkley, Jono Powell, Matt Collins, Luke Godley, Jack Bridges, Peter Yates, Jack Rusbridge, and Ben Fitzgerald.

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End of Season Report 07

It was always going to be hard to follow the achievements of the previous season but the team have continued to work hard and progress and consequently 2006/07 has proved to be another successful season.

After running away with the division C title last year it was unsurprising that the team found the initial step up to the B division tougher than they imagined. The team were over confident and suffered two early season defeats against teams that they had easily beaten previously. However, the team gradually found their feet and put in a terrific end to the season to finally clinch third place. Those two initial defeats eventually costing promotion for two consecutive seasons. This was a great achievement and all of the squad should rightly feel proud of themselves.

The team have also tasted success again by winning the prestigious Crowborough Fiesta tournament for the second year running, this was an outstanding achievement.

Well done to Jack Rusbridge for again being top scorer, come on the rest of you, he needs more competition next season! Jack also deserves a special mention for representing the very successful CDJFL Inter League team who went through the season unbeaten.

We only have a small squad and competition for places is fierce and although not everyone makes the team each week there is a great camaraderie between the boys. Everyone is extremely dedicated and attendance at our weekly Tuesday training sessions is excellent, however, Adam Barkley and Ben Fitzgerald deserve to be mentioned for attending every single match and training session since last August – that is 68 consecutive occasions!

We also have a very dedicated set of parents who also turn up week in week out. Many thanks to Denis Godley for running the line this year, all we need now is for someone to take a referee’s course!

A big thank you to everyone connected with the team, let’s hope next season will be just as enjoyable as this one.

Squad: Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jordan Bradley-Stopps, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs, Harry Sherlock, Ryan Higgins, Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Jono Powell, Adam Barkley, Peter Yates, Luke Godley.

Mick Fitzgerald

Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald – 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

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April 2007

The team put in a terrific end to the season and picked up the required seven points from three matches to clinch third place in the B league. This was a great achievement after winning promotion last season and all of the squad should rightly feel proud of themselves.

Rusthall 3 v Langton 3

A hard fought and well deserved draw against the eventual league winners. Two goals from Jack Rusbridge and one from Ben Fitzgerald secured a valuable point but the Rustics missed a few good chances including a penalty. Adam kept us in the game at times with some excellent saves but Man of the Match went to Jono Powell for his battling performance in midfield.

Foresters 1 v Rusthall 5

This was another good performance from all of the team. Full back’s Luke and Hayden both played very well but Jono was again outstanding in the middle of the park to get the MotM award. Jack Rusbridge can count himself unlucky as he continually tormented the opposition defence and scored four goals himself, although Ben scored the pick of the bunch.

Hailsham 2 v Rusthall 3

The game resembled a cup final as both teams needed the win to secure third place in the league. The Hailsham players seemed to have the most desire and were 2-0 up at half time with all seemingly lost for the Rustics. However, the team picked themselves up and pushed forward. A close-range goal by Peter Yates from a Jono corner gave the boys hope and from then on Rusthall dominated the game. A great 20 yard chip from Jack Bridges equalised, and a fine move culminated with Ben breaking down the right to put in a great cross for Jack Rusbridge to beat the keeper to complete a remarkable comeback. The MotM award went to the entire team and a special note of thanks to all of the parents for their continued support of the team.

Squad: Peter Yates, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jordan Bradley-Stopps, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs, Harry Sherlock, Ryan Higgins, Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Jono Powell, Adam Barkley.

Mick Fitzgerald

Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald – 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk
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March 2007

The team only played two matches in March - against the top two teams in the league. Unfortunately on both occasions we fell slightly short but in each game played very well and pushed the opposition all the way - it is a measure of how far the team has progressed this season. Automatic promotion for the second season running has now vanished, third place is still possible but fourth place is more realistic.

The first defeat came at home to Tonbridge B where the 2–0 score-line slightly flattered them. If we had taken our first half chances it might have been a different story, this was also the first game of the season where we had failed to score. Man of the match went to goalkeeper Adam Barkley.

The second loss came away to local rivals Langton and the whole team gave everything in a game we were unlucky to lose 4–3. It was a hard fought match but we tired in the last 10 minutes and conceded two late goals. Jack Rusbridge, who scored a hat-trick, was man of the match with a superb all round display.

Training has now finished at TWHS and moves back to Jockey Farm from Easter. We welcome new boy Sam Davis to the squad, Sam has joined from Ridgewaye A.

Squad: Jono Powell, Adam Barkley, Peter Yates, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jordan Bradley-Stopps, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs, Harry Sherlock, Ryan Higgins, Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Sam Davis.

Mick Fitzgerald

Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald– 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

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Tonbridge ‘C’ 0 v Rusthall 2

It was great to get back to playing football. Although the team are training every week at TWHS this was the first competitive game for over 2 months. Up against a team with the best defensive record in the division it was always likely to be a low scoring game and so it proved. Although the Rustics dominated possession, goal scoring chances were at a premium. Jack Rusbridge opened the scoring but it took a superb 20 yard strike from Michael Brown to put the game beyond doubt. This was a great all round team performance driven on by man of the match Jack Bridges from midfield.

Rusthall 8 v Ridgeway 0

This was another good performance, albeit against a team struggling at the bottom of the division. A dominant first half only produced one goal but kicking down the slope in the second half opened the flood gates. Man of the match Ben Fitzgerald laid on the first four goals for Jack Rusbridge, Michael Brown, Peter Yates and Jack Bridges, before scoring two himself, further goals from Jono Powell and a second from Jack Rusbridge completed the rout.

Rusthall 4 v Hailsham 1

With several players out through illness (including Jack Bridges with a broken arm!), the Rustics played well to beat a strong Hailsham team with Sam Fitzgerald stepping up from the U11 team to put in an excellent performance at left back. Michael Brown scored his first hatrick for the club with Ben Fitzgerald adding the other goal. Goalkeeper Adam Barkley was kept busy and spent more time out of his area than in it – Adam I think we got the hint that you want to play sweeper! Jack Rusbridge continually tormented the opposition defence and was unlucky not to score on several occasions and was a well deserved man of the match.

The U12 squad now have their personalised rain jackets – bought from the proceeds of their sponsored treasure hunt – modelled by some of the players.

Squad: Jono Powell, Adam Barkley, Peter Yates, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jordan Bradley-Stopps, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs, Harry Sherlock, Ryan Higgins, Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce.



 

Mick Fitzgerald

Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald – 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------November 2006

The boys held a very successful treasure hunt around the village in order to raise funds for the team. It was an excellent afternoon, the weather was kind, and everyone enjoyed themselves. We have so far raised between £300 - £400. Many thanks to Carolyn Sherlock and Denise Saward for organising the event, and to all of the other parents for helping on the day.

Rusthall 3 v 5 Uckfield

This was a very below par performance and we were really never in the game against a team that we had beaten twice last season. As usual we gave away a very early goal and then struggled to get back into the game. We did score through Mark Hobbs and Jack Rusbridge (2) but it looked like the boys had been in the bar all night and were suffering the consequences. Man of the match went to goalkeeper Adam Barkley who made some fine saves and kept some respectability to the score.

Rusthall 2 v 5 Tenterden A (CUP)

This was a much better performance in the cup against one of the top sides in Division A and a real test for the team. Sloppy defending meant we gave away our customary early goal and after Tenterden went two up shortly afterwards it looked like the Rustics were heading for a thrashing. However, a great goal from Jack Rusbridge direct from a free kick put us back in the game and from then on the team really lifted themselves and put in the best battling display of the season. Jack added a second later in the game and although we did lose to the better side it showed that when the team do play well there is no reason why promotion to the top division should not be a realistic target. Hayden Boyce had a great man of the match performance.

Ridgewaye 2 v Rusthall 4

The team got back to winning ways but struggled to kill off one of the division’s relegation candidates. Yet again poor defending resulted in losing an early goal but Michael Brown scored followed by an own goal to give the team some heart. Man of the match Jack Rusbridge put in a hugely battling performance and his fine display was capped by two great solo goals.

Squad: Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Jono Powell, Adam Barkley, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jordan Bradley-Stopps, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs, Harry Sherlock, Peter Yates, Ryan Higgins.

Mick Fitzgerald

Contacts:
Mick Fitzgerald– 01892 538965 – mick.fitzgerald@rusthallfc.co.uk
Paul Barkley – 01892 861897 – paul.barkley@rusthallfc.co.uk

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October 2006

Roselands 1 v 3 Rusthall (CUP)

In a tense second round cup game Rusthall extracted revenge for their opening day loss against a resolute Roselands team. It was an end to end encounter with the quick Roselands forwards always causing our defence problems. An opening goal from Peter Yates was followed by a superb strike from Jack Rusbridge, his first of the season. The game was only wrapped up with the last kick of the match when Man of the Match Jack Bridges tapped in.

Roselands 2 v 5 Rusthall

The score line flattered Rusthall as this was another very close encounter. The Rustics were under pressure and hanging on to a 3-2 lead for most of the second half and only two goals in the last two minutes finally gave us the 3 points. Jack Rusbridge finally brought along his shooting boots and scored a hat-trick in an excellent all round Man of the Match performance. Jordan Bradley-Stopps scored his first goal for the club and Ben Fitzgerald added the 5^th.

Rusthall 5 v 1 Broad Oak B

The team struggled against the bottom club and at 0-0 at half time things were not looking good. Kicking down the slope in the second half the team showed more urgency and it took Man of the Match, Mark Hobbs, to show the others how to score with his first two goals of the season. The other goals came from Jordan, Peter Yates and an own goal.

Tonbridge B  5 v  1 Rusthall

This was the first real test of the season against the team that were equal top of the table and the Rustics pulled up short. Although we did lose to a better organised and fitter team, they were never 5 goals better. The team got off to a bad start when we put through our own goal after only two minutes. It was always going to be a struggle from then on and although Jack Rusbridge scored a great goal direct from a free kick to bring us back to 2-1, we never really threatened. Some dodgy decisions from the officials didn’t help us but that was no excuse for a below par performance.

Squad: Billy Saward, Hayden Boyce, Jono Powell, Adam Barkley, Luke Godley, Matt Collins, Jack Bridges, Jack Rusbridge, Ben Fitzgerald, Jordan Bradley-Stopps, Michael Brown, Mark Hobbs,